Leon Haywood, Funk Artist Famously Sampled By Dr. Dre, Dead at 74

Leon Haywood—the funk and soul performer, producer, and songwriter—died in his sleep on Thursday, the Associated Press reports. His 1975 single “I Want’ a Do Something Freaky to You” was famously sampled on Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s ”Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” He was 74.

In the early 1960s, Haywood played in Big Jay McNeely’s band, which frequently backed up Sam Cooke. He had a hit as a solo artist with “It’s Got to Be Mellow” in 1966. In the 1970s, he also found success with his songs ”Strokin’,” “Come an’ Get Yourself Some,” “Keep It in the Family,” and ”Don’t Push It Don’t Force It.” He also wrote hits for other artists, including Carl Carlton’s 1981 single “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked).”

Artists from the funk and hip-hop world have shared their appreciation for Haywood’s work including Dâm-Funk and 9th Wonder. In addition to being featured on “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang,” Haywood was sampled by Aaliyah, Cam’ron, 50 Cent, J. Cole, and many others.

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